Nikon 200mm f/2.0 overview

The AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II Lens from Nikon is an extremely fast telephoto lens, capable of capturing powerful images in a variety of situations. Its superior light-gathering capabilities and 200mm focal length make it a great option for shooting in the field. A rotating tripod collar with a detachable shoe is present, providing superior balance when shooting with a tripod or monopod.

Professionals covering weddings, sporting events, and fashion shows will appreciate its reach, image quality, and fast aperture. The lens features Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) II system, which can deliver up to three stops of correction -- allowing you to shoot in dimly-lit environments, without sacrificing image sharpness.

The lens features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus. Its Internal Focusing (IF) system allows for the movement of the optical elements internally, eliminating the need for the barrel to extend or retract during focusing. Three focus modes are available -- A/M, M/A, and M. A/M mode ensures that autofocus is always active, even when the focus ring is moved manually. M/A mode allows you to override the autofocus system by moving the focus ring, and M mode provides good ol' fashioned manual focus.

The lens features both focus memory and limitation settings. You'll be able to lock focus on a specific item and save the focus point in your camera's memory by pressing the "Memory Set" button on the lens. Simply press "Memory Recall" at any time to set the lens back to that focus setting. This is a great choice for sports photographers who are in a stationary position but would like to quickly return focus to a point of frequent action -- such as a basketball hoop or home plate. The focus limitation function allows you limit the distance at which the lens has to hunt for focus, speeding autofocus operation.

A nine blade aperture smoothes the out of focus background of an image, delivering bokeh that is extremely pleasing to the eye and dramatically separating your subject from the background. The lens also boasts Nikon's Tripod Detection Mode, which allows you to leave VR on when shooting on a tripod. The minute vibrations associated with tripod use are compensated for, further increasing image sharpness.

You needn't be an optics expert to appreciate the care that Nikon has taken in designing this lens. It is constructed of 13 optical elements arranged in 9 groups. These include 3 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and one Super ED glass element, which work to minimize chromatic aberration -- even at f/2. The lens features Nikon's exclusive Nano-Crystal Coat, which minimizes flare -- even in backlit situations. It is also coated with Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC), which further aids flare reduction and improves color consistency.

The lens can be used on Nikon FX and DX DSLRs. It is a "G" series, which means that there is no physical aperture ring -- the aperture must be controlled by the camera. When used on a DX camera, the lens provides the equivalent field of view of a 300mm lens in the 35mm format, which is a boon to nature and sports photographers looking for a little extra reach and increased depth of field.

Nikon 200mm f/2.0 reviews

AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II Lens is rated
4.9 out of
5 by
44.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Gary from
Doesn't get better than this.I've been a photographer longer than there have been computers. Sad, but true!! I've shot a LOT of Leica glass, Zeiss glass, Schneider glass and Nikon glass. This 200mm f2 glass is amazing. The lens is heavy. The lens is thick. The lens is expensive. All true. However, when you are a sharp freak like I am, you want the images to produce what your mind sees. This lens is incredible. I have uploaded a sample shot from approximately 12' away. I was using a monopod. Image shot at f2. Check out the image and decide for yourself. Shouldn't be a hard decision except for the $$$.

Date published: 2016-10-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
unbelievable....I'm not saying anything new when I say this lens is just a phenomenal piece of glass...my god, you read about speed, AF accuracy, btu until you try it, you have no idea what they are talking about. This is in a whole different category than the 14-24 f2.8, and the rest of it. It's everything you heard about and then some. My only cons are the potential for scratches on the front element, you have to leave to hood on, which takes up a lot of space, and the weight. It is a heavy lens, but with the VR II you can shoot hand held no problem. It's the carrying all day that tires you. But it's doable. Once back home and you see the IQ at f2, you realize it was worth it!

Date published: 2013-07-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Ray from
Simply AMAZINGWOW is all I can say. This lens is AMAZING...I rented this lens several times before making this purchase to make sure it aligned with my style of photography. I knew the first rental that this was going to be in my bag one of these days. My favorite combination was the Nikon D5 and Nikkor 85 1.4. I still use this quite often because of proximity to my subjects but now am using the 200 2.0 more. I have compared the 85 1.4 verses the 200 2.0 and the bokeh is so much smoother and beautiful. No comparison. If in doubt rent first, but I must warn you, once you see the images, you will be purchasing...

Date published: 2017-08-22

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Pieria from
Best glass I ever owned.I have owned almost most of the pro glass that nikon offers. From the holly trinity, 300 2.8 vr , 400 2.8 vr, and this lens is just amazing. Not to heavy for me , I currently own the 400 2.8 vr also, is just out of this world. The focal length for what I used it for is just perfect , and that is for portraits of my 2 year old, to football at high school games. Bokeh is just buttery smooth, the lens wide open is razor sharp, and it takes converters with no problem. Autofocus is on par with my 400 even a bit faster. This lens is a gem. Expensive for most yes ,but worth every penny.

Date published: 2014-01-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Brian from
Heavyweight Champion of the World!!!This lens is the Mohammad Ali of portraits. I can shoot with it in the middle of NYC Times Square and the background just blurs into a liquid swirl. Your photos will be so sharp they might cut you. The lens is indeed HEAVY and very LARGE! It is definitely not a lens to buy if you want to be inconspicuous. From what I have experienced so far shooting with this lens I can safely say that it will remain in my possession until the great asteroid hits the Earth and destroys every camera lens on the entire planet.

Date published: 2014-08-25

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Anonymous from
200 2Bought the 200 2 to take pictures of my son's fencing tournament. As usual, the tournaments are located in high school gymn and/or cafeteria and the lighting is horrible. The 200 2 comes through beautifully. Focus is fast, very sharp. Th lens handles sport better than the 85 1.4. A bit on the heavy side so you need a tripod for extended use. I am used to shooting with the 70-200 2.8, the 80-400 VR, the Sigma 150-500 hand holding. But I cannot handhold the 200 2 for more than 15 minutes. Bokeh is incredible. I wish the lens comes with a lens cap. The soft pouch is a little bit flimsy for my taste.

Date published: 2013-11-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
EG from
Crisp, Clean, AccurateI rented the lens first and found the product to be everything it is stated to be, Outstanding. I shoot primarily action sports both indoor and outdoor. The lens has significantly expanded my ability to cover night matches outside and indoor events in poorly lit circumstances. The ability to freeze a fast moving ball and get hard edges on it is priceless. The photos are in a class of their own when compared to others shooting the same event. I am still getting accustomed to the weight and the focus. Yes, it's heavy. However I clearly see the tradeoff and accepted it to get this high quality of photos. I would recommend this to anyone wishing to take the next step into a state of the art set up.

Date published: 2011-11-29

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kevin from
AmazingThis lens is as fast and sharp as advertised. We have been using it for portraits, products, weddings and sports. This 200mm F/2 VRII is super fast,very sharp and creates beautiful buttery boken with deep colors. We mostly shoot with prime lenses. The 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.4 are great lenses, but the 200mm is at different level. Shooting the VRII @ F/2 will allow you to capture pictures in lower light. We use this lens more than any of the other lenses. It is simply amazing.